Laura Gonzalez
Laura Gonzalez founded her Parisian agency at 24, while still a student at the Ecole nationale supérieure d’architecture Paris-Malaquais. Since then, she’s been making a name for herself in the world of interior design delivering fantastic projects. Putting her motto into practice, “Live each project as a unique experience”, Laura was commissioned to the 2021 Women Pavilion in Dubai, and has created some awe-inspiring interiors for luxury brands including Louboutin and Cartier. For the famed jeweler, she redesigned the historic 5th Avenue store in New York, and the “residence”, the private salon at the Paris Flagship in rue de la Paix, elevating the retail experience with her unmistakable style.
1. How did you begin designing interiors ?
My parents would always take me to museums and auctions when I was young. I quickly acquired a taste for pretty things and when the time came to decide what path I wanted to follow in life, I went for architecture and developed a strong interest for interior design. Right after I graduated, in 2008, I founded my agency. I was very young, and I will always remember my very first project: the Bus Palladium club in Paris.
2. What are your inspirations while designing? How would you define your creative process?
I find inspiration in everyday life and in my surroundings, but I do admire the work of Renzo Mongiardino, Madeleine Castaing, Dorothy Draper and Jacques Grange, to name a few. I value fabric very much: their texture, their colors and patterns. As a matter of fact, I had Pierre Frey wallcoverings in my bedroom when I was a child. I’m a maximalist! I like warm, colorful interiors that catch the eye and trigger a smile.
3. Has there been a defining moment in your career? Can you tell us about it?
Probably my renovation of Bus Palladium, because it was my very first project and it paved the way to many more great opportunities. It has been ten years now, and for the occasion I’m publishing a book with Rizzoli New York, that looks back on this enriching decade.
4. What is your favorite type of client/project?
I like the variety of projects that my job provides. I love the diversity and the novelty that each and one of them imply. Each client has specific requirements that challenge my approach to interior design and make me go out of my way to find new ideas and new solutions.
5. Your style involves mixing several textures, patterns and periods in a harmonious way.
Indeed, it is something I look up to in fact. I do think it is important to remember and celebrate heritage and what we have, while updating them so that they stay relevant. Hence why I usually reupholster old pieces with contemporary and quirky fabrics.
6. How do you achieve that harmony in your design projects?
I pay a lot of attention to the combination of colors, patterns and textures. It takes time and many tries to achieve a symbiosis between all the elements, but this is part of the reason why I like what I do: going beyond myself.
7. What do you think is the deciding factor in a successful interior design project?
Character: a cohesion of patterns, colors and fabrics that create a specific and unique atmosphere.
8. What is the most challenging aspect of designing interiors?
That the ideas you have for a project might not actually work. You have to be ready and open to drift away a little from your initial plan.
9. What was one of the hardest-learned lessons in your job?
That you shouldn’t be afraid to do what you love and follow your own path. It required a lot of courage to take a stand and say “This is my style and I’m gonna do what I like”, but it is worth it in the long run. As much as I appreciate minimalists, this is not me. I like colour, patterns, business in my designs.
10. What advice would you give to beginner designers?
Don’t be afraid to do what you do and have your own style. Leave room for change and above all, try.
11. If you had to summarize your creations in one word or sentence, what would it be?
Lively.
12. Is there a design object you would not like to live without? It so, what is it?
I bought a Little Petra chair by Viggo Boesen, and it just fits perfectly in my home. It’s extremely comfortable and soothing to the eye. I’m very much into seating solutions in general, but this chair is a favorite of mine.
13. Do you have any books/programs/podcasts to recommend to our readers?
BOOK – Death in Venice by Thomas Mann, that I read during the pandemic. It really opened my eyes and helped me get through this strange time.
FILM – Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter…and Spring by Kim Ki-duk. A contemplative film that I first saw when I was 20 and I was really struck by the portrayal of emotions over the course of the seasons.
